Nick Mwendwa promises high profile friendlies for Harambee Stars

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FOOTBALL Nick Mwendwa promises high profile friendlies for Harambee Stars

Festus Chuma 15:03 - 09.06.2023

Mwendwa said the federation is working towards organizing friendlies for the team in other for the rebuilding process to continue.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa has promised more high-profile friendly matches for Harambee Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Mwendwa has stated that negotiations are ongoing for Engin Firat's coached side to come up against two opponents for friendlies expected to be played between Saturday 2 to Monday 10 September.

"We are planning to have two friendly matches in the next FIFA window. We are waiting for confirmation from the federations that we have contacted. From their response coach (Firat) will decide on which teams we can play against," he said.

Engin Firat, the Harambee Stars head coach, will again have the opportunity to test his squad against formidable opponents, gaining valuable experience and assessing the team's strengths and weaknesses.

While specific details about the potential opponents remain undisclosed, it is expected that the selected teams will offer stiff competition and allow Harambee Stars to gauge their progress.

These friendlies will serve as crucial preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, providing the national team with valuable insights into their current standing and areas that require improvement.

Before the September friendlies, Harambee Stars will play in the Four--Nation Tournament in Mauritius from June 11 to 18.

Firat is expected to name the traveling squad on Friday night, with the team set to jet out on Saturday for Port Louis.

Football enthusiasts and fans of the Harambee Stars eagerly anticipate these exciting friendlies, recognizing their significance in shaping the team's future.

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are scheduled to start in November this year, with Match Day One and Two scheduled for between 13-21 November, while the third and fourth match days are scheduled for June 2024.

The last match day will be October 6-14, while the Continental play-off will be staged between 10-18 November 2025 at a venue to be announced later.